What are my rights as a working carer?
Your rights in work come from two sources:
- The law gives you ‘statutory rights’ which everyone has.
- Your contract of employment gives you ‘contractual rights’ which can be more generous than statutory rights.
In this section, we provide guidance about your statutory and contractual rights as a working carer. It's always worth checking your contract of employment, staff handbook, HR policies or letter of appointment to see if you have any contractual rights on top of your statutory rights.
Note: For further information about your general rights, see the gov.uk website.
For a summary of your statutory rights, you can also take a look at our factsheet, Your rights in work.
Find out more about your rights at work
Latest updates
Press Release
Autumn budget reaction from Carers UK
26 November 25
The Chancellor has earmarked £75 million over the next three years to put right the failures that led to the Carer’s Allowance overpayments scandal. Yesterday’s commitment to reassess cases where averaging of earnings could have reduced overpayments is a vital step towards addressing the injustices carers have faced for far too long.
Press Release
Unprecedented changes for carers as Government responds to Carer’s Allowance overpayments review recommendations
25 November 25
It’s a landmark day today for the carers’ movement now that the Government has responded to the independent review of overpayments by Liz Sayce OBE.
News
Carers Rights Day 2025
20 November 25
Carers UK Chief Executive Helen Walker shares a message to mark the start of Carers Rights Day 2025.
Press Release
Over a third of carers struggling to make ends meet don’t know where to go for financial advice
20 November 25
Unpaid carers, who are at greater risk of financial hardship, need better access to financial advice, guidance, as well as support to navigate the social security system.
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